The opening round of the two divisional cup competitions dominated the Saturday's fixtures.

In the First Division NFL Tyneside Amateur Shield, Hexhamshire travelled to New York and Dave Robson gave the visitors a slightly fortunate half-time lead.

Hexhamshire were sparked into action in the second half, though, as Geoff Sparke netted twice and Stuart Smith once to record a 4-0 win and a trip to Newcastle Medicals in the second round.

Winlaton Vulcan Inn, winners in 2002, travelled to 2000 winners Lindisfarne Athletic and eventually beat a resolute home side with goals from Chris Holt, Gary Trainer, Steve Quinney and John Kirsopp. Stuart Purvis and Gary Stanners netted for Lindisfarne.

In a repeat of October's League Cup final, Fitzgeralds entertained Bellingham and proceeded to hammer them 5-0 with a hat-trick from David Pill. Matt Dewhurst and Gary Milburn got the others.

In the Second Division NFL North Eastern Amateur Shield, Westerhope CC beat South Beach 3-1 and Wardley avenged a recent defeat by Newcastle IJLW Brazil with a 2-1 win through goals from Chris Welch and Chris O'Connell.

There were three League games played in the top Division.

Newcastle University A lost for the second week running, this time by the odd goal in five at Willington Quay Saints.